Senior benefits in Hamblen County, Tennessee

The East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, run by the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA), serves older adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in Hamblen County. It plans and funds local aging services such as congregate and home-delivered meals, the SHIP/SMP Medicare counseling program, family caregiver support and respite, options counseling for long-term care and home- and community-based services, the long-term care ombudsman, and public guardianship. Call the toll-free Information and Assistance line to find out what is offered locally.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

Tennessee's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Hamblen County it is delivered by Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority (DCEA), the local Community Action Agency, which also serves Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, and Sevier counties. Households under the income limit get points based on income, energy burden, and whether members are elderly, disabled, veterans, or young children. Payment goes directly to the utility. Apply through the state THDA portal, call the DCEA office, or dial 2-1-1 for referral.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System in Morristown is the main hospital serving Hamblen County. As part of Covenant Health, it offers financial assistance (charity care) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Eligibility is based on household income measured against the Federal Poverty Guidelines, plus a review of assets. Ask Patient Account Services for a financial assistance application or call to request one by mail.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

ETHRA Public Transit runs door-to-door, demand-response vans across Hamblen County and the wider East Tennessee region. The service meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and is open to the general public, with priority help for older adults and riders with a disability getting to medical visits, shopping, senior centers, and other trips. Rides are shared and must be booked ahead, so call at least three business days before the trip to reserve a seat.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year